1. How accessible is abortion in Ohio?

Abortion access in Ohio is somewhat limited. The state has passed many laws to restrict access to abortion, including a ban on abortions after 20 weeks, a requirement that patients receive in-person counseling, a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion, and a requirement that the patient be shown an ultrasound of the fetus. Additionally, the state has passed several laws targeting abortion providers, including a “heartbeat bill” that would have effectively banned abortions after six weeks and was ultimately struck down by the courts.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Ohio?

In Ohio, the legal gestational limit for abortion is 24 weeks from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. However, in certain cases involving a risk to the mother’s life or health, an abortion may be performed after 24 weeks.

3. Does Ohio require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes. In Ohio, parental involvement is required for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must either obtain the written consent of one parent or, if one parent is not available, of a legal guardian; both must appear in person at the facility to provide written consent. Minors who are unable to obtain parental or guardian consent may seek judicial bypass.

4. Does Ohio mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes, Ohio mandates a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Ohio require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes, Ohio requires the disclosure of certain information prior to an abortion. This includes providing the patient with information about the abortion procedure, the risks associated with the procedure, and the possibility of fetal pain. The patient must also be informed of any medical assistance benefits they may be eligible for and of any public or private agencies available to assist with carrying the pregnancy to term. The patient must also sign a form stating that they have received this information and understand it before they can proceed with the procedure.

6. Does Ohio provide public funding for abortion services?

No, Ohio does not provide public funding for abortion services.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Ohio?

Yes, there are exceptions to the gestational limit of 24 weeks in Ohio. Under certain circumstances, an abortion may be performed after the 24-week mark. These circumstances include if a pregnant woman’s life or health is endangered by the continuation of her pregnancy, if there is a fetal abnormality that is incompatible with life, or if the pregnant woman has been diagnosed with a condition that is likely to kill her or cause serious long-term health problems.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Ohio?

Yes, under Ohio law, any physician or medical facility is allowed to refuse to provide abortion services.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Ohio?

Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Ohio. Ohio law requires that for a medication abortion (using two pills to end a pregnancy) to be provided, the patient must be physically present at the facility where the abortion is taking place and must receive the medications on site. Doctors performing medication abortions must also prescribe the medications in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines and must be certified to provide those medications. In addition, for surgical abortions, doctors must provide informed consent to a patient prior to performing an abortion and must follow certain requirements related to resuscitation of an infant born alive during an abortion.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Ohio?

Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Ohio. Ohio’s informed consent law requires that the woman seeking an abortion be given certain information before she can legally consent to the abortion procedure. This information includes: the nature of the procedure, the risks of the procedure, and alternative options to the procedure.

11. Does Ohio allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

Yes, Ohio does allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Ohio?

No. The Ohio Department of Health does not require any specific medical facilities to provide abortions. However, the Ohio Department of Health does regulate facilities that provide abortion services.

13. Does Ohio have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, Ohio has regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. Ohio law requires that all abortions performed in the state be followed by a post-abortion consultation, which must include an evaluation of the patient’s physical and emotional health and an assessment of potential risks associated with the abortion procedure. The law also requires that a woman be provided with information about available counseling and community services for post-abortive women. Additionally, Ohio law requires physicians to provide follow-up care for any complications arising from the abortion procedure.

14. Does Ohio have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes. Ohio has adopted a Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACEE) that places restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. The law requires protestors to keep a distance of at least 8 feet from people entering or leaving the facility, prohibits physical contact, and prohibits the use of threatening or intimidating language or gestures. Violators of the law may face criminal penalties.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Ohio?

No, health insurance plans cannot cover abortion services in Ohio. Ohio state law bans the use of state funding to pay for abortions unless the procedure is necessary to protect the life of the pregnant person or is needed to prevent a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio requires that fetal tissue resulting from an abortion must be disposed of in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Ohio Department of Health or the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The Ohio Department of Health also provides guidance and resources to medical facilities regarding the proper handling and disposal of fetal tissue.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Ohio?

In Ohio, fetal remains must be either buried or cremated. The woman receiving the abortion has the right to choose whether to bury or cremate the remains, and can also choose to have the abortion provider handle the disposition. Ohio also requires that the facility performing the abortion must inform the woman of her rights regarding fetal remains.

18. Does Ohio recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Ohio does recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements. Under Ohio state law, a health care provider must include in the medical record the estimated gestational age of the fetus, based on the ultrasound or other medical evaluation, when prescribing any abortion-inducing drug or when performing an abortion.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Ohio?

Yes. According to Ohio law, a minor seeking an abortion must obtain informed consent from one parent, legal guardian, or a court in order to obtain the procedure. The law also requires that the minor provide proof of age and identity to the physician performing the procedure. In some cases, a court may waive the parental consent requirement if there is evidence that the minor is mature and capable of making an informed decision.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Ohio?

Yes. Minors in Ohio can seek a judicial bypass to obtain an abortion without parental consent. The process requires the minor to prove that she is mature and capable of giving informed consent or that an abortion is in her best interest.